Introduction to Boot Options
The concept and content of boot options are very similar on all computers that run Microsoft Windows operating systems. However, prior to Windows Vista, computers with different processor firmware store boot options differently and require different tools to view and edit the options on each system. Computers with BIOS firmware, namely those with x86 and x64 processors, store boot options in a Boot.ini text file that can be edited in Notepad. Computers with EFI firmware, primarily computers with Itanium processors, store their options in non-volatile RAM that must be edited by using specialized tools.
Windows Vista, and later versions of Windows, store boot option in a firmware-independent storage and configuration system. Windows Vista also introduces a new Boot Manager and system-specific boot loaders. For more information, see Boot Options in Windows Vista and Later.
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Build date: 4/5/2012
